Hadith #10109

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us against spending our wealth in sinful acts, as it would lead us to stand before our Lord without any good deeds. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this impactful Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (your wealth) "مالَكَ" refers to the material possessions and resources that Allah has bestowed upon us. It encompasses our money, property, and other worldly possessions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us not to squander this wealth in sinful acts. This implies that we should not use our resources to engage in activities that are forbidden in Islam, such as bribery, usury, gambling, or any form of injustice.

To understand the gravity of this advice, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 17:26-27)

And do not spend wastefully. Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful

This verse emphasizes the importance of being mindful of how we spend our wealth. Wastefulness and indulgence in sinful acts are closely linked, as both lead to the squandering of resources that Allah has entrusted us with.

Furthermore, the Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of using our wealth in ways that please Allah and benefit others. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:177)

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves

This verse highlights the significance of spending our wealth in acts of charity and kindness, rather than wasting it in sinful pursuits.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder that our wealth is a trust from Allah, and we will be held accountable for how we utilize it. By spending our wealth in sinful acts, we not only waste our resources but also neglect the opportunity to earn reward and blessings from Allah. Moreover, it tarnishes our character and distances us from the path of righteousness.

The consequences of spending our wealth in sinful acts are manifold. Firstly, it leads to spiritual deprivation and a weakened relationship with Allah. Secondly, it perpetuates injustice and harm in society, as our resources are used to support activities that are detrimental to individuals and communities. Thirdly, it hinders our own growth and development, as we miss out on the opportunity to invest in acts of goodness that would benefit us in this life and the hereafter.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of being conscious of our actions and intentions when it comes to our wealth. We should strive to spend our resources in ways that align with the teachings of Islam, seeking to benefit ourselves and others. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations as Muslims but also contribute to the betterment of society and the attainment of Allah's pleasure.

May Allah guide us to use our wealth wisely and grant us the ability to spend it in ways that bring us closer to Him and benefit humanity. Ameen.